Wednesday, May 11, 2005

The Marquette University Board of Trustees will meet later today, an emergency session to consider the reaction to 'Gold' and possibly more. The meeting was called in response to the incredible, unprecedented out cry against the new nickname by most of the Marquette community.

Per the J-S: According to Rana Altenberg, the BOT is meeting "because they want to review the communications from students, alumni, faculty and other stakeholders regarding the decision."

"All of the individuals on our board have a very strong commitment to this institution," Altenburg said. "Our trustees feel very deeply about Marquette. As part of that commitment, they want to pay careful attention to the concerns of all Marquette stakeholders."

Bravo, BOT! It takes guts to jump back into the fire -- but can you finish the job? There is room for a graceful reconsideration of the nickname, one that the MU community would heartily embrace and appreciate. Now, take the next step: a quick, thorough process to reconsider the nickname with the MU community would put this speedbump in the rearview mirror and re-engage the community as never before.

At this point, it is clear that Warriors will not return. That's disappointing but understandable. MU is a Jesuit institution and they run the show; I respect their judgment. However, countless nickname alternatives must have been suggested over the years to MU - - - likely hundreds in 1994 when Golden Eagles landed, and surely dozens during the extensive survey submitted by more than 9,000 alums on this matter last year. That'd be a very good place to start, IMHO.